Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze) is a native perennial liana widely recognized for the production of urushiol, and the associated contact dermatitis it causes in humans. Poison ivy is predicted to become both more prevalent and more noxious in response to projected patterns of global change. Moreover, poison ivy is an important food source for avian species, and urushiol has numerous applications as a high-value engineering material. Thus, this curious weed has many avenues for future concern, and promise. Here, I address gaps in knowledge about poison ivy ecology and physiology so that we may better understand its weediness and utilize its benefits. I address three core areas: poison ivy establishment patterns; biotic interactions with multiple taxa; and the development of molecular tools for use in poison ivy. I found that the early life stage of seedling emergence is a critical linchpin in poison ivy establishment due largely to herbivore pressure from large grazers. I also describe the multifaceted relationship between poison ivy and avian frugivores that not only disperse the drupes of poison ivy but also aid in reduction of fungal endophytic phytopathogens. A survey of poison ivy urushiols yielded that while variation in urushiol congeners was high across individuals, relative congener levels were stable within individuals over a two month period. Lastly I demonstrate best practices for introducing and transiently expressing recombinant DNA in poison ivy as a step towards future reverse genetic procedures. / Doctor of Philosophy / Poison ivy is a native plant best known for its capacity to cause allergenic skin reactions in humans due to the chemical urushiol, which is found in all parts of the plant. While most people prefer to avoid this plant, poison ivy is an important food source for birds. In addition, urushiol has numerous applications as an engineered material. Despite these positive aspects, poison ivy is among those plants that are responding well to global change, such as increasing CO₂ levels and habitat fragmentation. Poison ivy has been shown to increase in size and produce more allergenic forms of urushiol under elevated CO₂ levels and there are concerns that poison ivy prefers the disturbed areas created by habitat fragmentation. These attributes suggest that poison ivy will become more prevalent and more noxious in the coming years. Thus, this curious weed has many avenues for both future concern and promise. To aid in our ability to manage poison ivy in the future, I used a combination of field, greenhouse, and laboratory studies to study the ecology of poison ivy. I investigated the early stages of the poison ivy life cycle, and the relationship between poison ivy and the animals that interact with it. I found that the earliest life stages of poison ivy are a critical linchpin for poison ivy survival due largely to large animals like deer eating the seedlings. I also describe the multifaceted relationship between poison ivy and birds, which not only disperse the seeds of poison ivy but also aid in reducing pathogens associated with the seeds. I surveyed the amounts and types of urushiols that poison ivy produces and found them to be highly variable from plant to plant, but relatively stable over time within a plant. Lastly, I demonstrate best practices for transient transgene expression in poison ivy leaves as a step towards future genetic studies. These studies help expand our understanding of a problematic weed, and pave the way for future studies in weed ecology and in the utilization of urushiol in positive applications, showing that even poison ivy can be of benefit to the environment and humans.

Os metais pesados têm uma influência direta ou indiretamente em aspectos fisiológicos das macroalgas como crescimento, desenvolvimento, reprodução, desempenho fotossintetizante, respiração, organização celular e morfologia. O cádmio está entre os poluentes mais comuns encontrados nos efluentes industriais e residenciais. Nos manguezais, devido às suas características do seu sedimento e grande quantidade de matéria orgânica, podem reter uma quantidade considerável de metais, reduzindo a transferência destes poluentes para os organismos. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar as respostas fisiológicas, variações bioquímicas e histoquímicas da macroalga vermelha B. radicans procedente de dois ambientes, um conhecido como impactado (Cubatão-SP) e o outro não impactado por metais (Peruíbe-SP) frente à contaminação por Cd. Os parâmetros analisados foram taxa de crescimento, desempenho fotossintetizante, conteúdo pigmentar (ficobiliproteínas, clorofila a, carotenoides), proteínas solúveis totais, bioabsorção de Cd, potencial antioxidante e variações histoquímicas. Neste estudo foram utilizadas seis concentrações crescentes de Cd: 6, 12, 18, 37 e 55 mg.L-1. As algas expostas às maiores concentrações (37 e 55 mg.L-1), de ambos os locais, não sobreviveram após o quinto dia de experimento, as demais amostras expostas às outras concentrações mantiveram-se vivas até o fim do experimento que durou 11 dias. As amostras de B. radicans do ambiente impactado demonstrou maior tolerância ao metal em todos os testes quando comparada com as algas do local não impactado, demonstrando um menor decréscimo na taxa de crescimento e desempenho fotossintetizante. Em relação a clorofila a, o local não impactado houve um decréscimo menor em relação ao local impactado. Os resultados da atividade antioxidante houve um decréscimo direto em relação a concentração de Cd, quanto maior foi a concentração de Cd menor foi a atividade antioxidante, mas B. radicans demonstrou ser uma fonte natural de antioxidante. Os resultados deste estudo complementam trabalhos de ecofisiologia posteriores e fornecem subsídios da estratégia de vida de B. radicans frente ao estresse ao Cd, pois não foi encontrada nenhuma literatura sobre o efeito deste metal em B. radicans / Heavy metals have direct or indirect influence on physiological aspects of macroalgae such as growth, development, reproduction, photosynthetic performance, respiration, cell organization and morphology. Cadmium is among the most common pollutants found in industrial and residential wastewater. In mangroves due to the sediment characteristics and great amount of organic matter can retain considerable amounts of metals, reducing the transference of these pollutants to the organisms. The aim of this study was characterize the physiological responses, biochemical and histochemical variations of the red macroalga B. radicans coming from two environments, one known as impacted (Cubatao-SP) and the other not impacted by metals (Peruíbe-SP) under Cd contamination. The analyzed parameters were growth rate, photosynthetic performance, pigment content (phycobiliproteins, chlorophyll a, carotenoids), total soluble proteins, Cd bioabsorption, antioxidant potential and histochemical changes. In this study were used six increasing concentrations of Cd: 6, 12, 18, 37 and 55 mg.L-1. The treated seaweed to higher concentrations (37 and 55 mg.L-1), for both sites, did not survive after the fifth day of experiment, the remaining lower exposed samples remained alive until the end of the experiment which lasted 11 days. Samples of B. radicans form impacted environment showed higher Cd tolerance in all tests compared with algae from not impacted environment, showing a smaller decrease in growth rate and photosynthetic performance. For chlorophyll α samples from not impacted environment there were minor decrease related to impacted environment. The results of antioxidant activity were direct decrease from Cd concentration, at higher Cd concentration there was lowest antioxidant activity, but B. radicans demonstrated to be a natural source of antioxidants. The results of this study complement future ecophysiological studies and providing profits about the life strategy of B. radicans against Cd stress because there was not found any literature on the effect of rhis metal on B. radicans

Os metais pesados têm uma influência direta ou indiretamente em aspectos fisiológicos das macroalgas como crescimento, desenvolvimento, reprodução, desempenho fotossintetizante, respiração, organização celular e morfologia. O cádmio está entre os poluentes mais comuns encontrados nos efluentes industriais e residenciais. Nos manguezais, devido às suas características do seu sedimento e grande quantidade de matéria orgânica, podem reter uma quantidade considerável de metais, reduzindo a transferência destes poluentes para os organismos. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar as respostas fisiológicas, variações bioquímicas e histoquímicas da macroalga vermelha B. radicans procedente de dois ambientes, um conhecido como impactado (Cubatão-SP) e o outro não impactado por metais (Peruíbe-SP) frente à contaminação por Cd. Os parâmetros analisados foram taxa de crescimento, desempenho fotossintetizante, conteúdo pigmentar (ficobiliproteínas, clorofila a, carotenoides), proteínas solúveis totais, bioabsorção de Cd, potencial antioxidante e variações histoquímicas. Neste estudo foram utilizadas seis concentrações crescentes de Cd: 6, 12, 18, 37 e 55 mg.L-1. As algas expostas às maiores concentrações (37 e 55 mg.L-1), de ambos os locais, não sobreviveram após o quinto dia de experimento, as demais amostras expostas às outras concentrações mantiveram-se vivas até o fim do experimento que durou 11 dias. As amostras de B. radicans do ambiente impactado demonstrou maior tolerância ao metal em todos os testes quando comparada com as algas do local não impactado, demonstrando um menor decréscimo na taxa de crescimento e desempenho fotossintetizante. Em relação a clorofila a, o local não impactado houve um decréscimo menor em relação ao local impactado. Os resultados da atividade antioxidante houve um decréscimo direto em relação a concentração de Cd, quanto maior foi a concentração de Cd menor foi a atividade antioxidante, mas B. radicans demonstrou ser uma fonte natural de antioxidante. Os resultados deste estudo complementam trabalhos de ecofisiologia posteriores e fornecem subsídios da estratégia de vida de B. radicans frente ao estresse ao Cd, pois não foi encontrada nenhuma literatura sobre o efeito deste metal em B. radicans / Heavy metals have direct or indirect influence on physiological aspects of macroalgae such as growth, development, reproduction, photosynthetic performance, respiration, cell organization and morphology. Cadmium is among the most common pollutants found in industrial and residential wastewater. In mangroves due to the sediment characteristics and great amount of organic matter can retain considerable amounts of metals, reducing the transference of these pollutants to the organisms. The aim of this study was characterize the physiological responses, biochemical and histochemical variations of the red macroalga B. radicans coming from two environments, one known as impacted (Cubatao-SP) and the other not impacted by metals (Peruíbe-SP) under Cd contamination. The analyzed parameters were growth rate, photosynthetic performance, pigment content (phycobiliproteins, chlorophyll a, carotenoids), total soluble proteins, Cd bioabsorption, antioxidant potential and histochemical changes. In this study were used six increasing concentrations of Cd: 6, 12, 18, 37 and 55 mg.L-1. The treated seaweed to higher concentrations (37 and 55 mg.L-1), for both sites, did not survive after the fifth day of experiment, the remaining lower exposed samples remained alive until the end of the experiment which lasted 11 days. Samples of B. radicans form impacted environment showed higher Cd tolerance in all tests compared with algae from not impacted environment, showing a smaller decrease in growth rate and photosynthetic performance. For chlorophyll α samples from not impacted environment there were minor decrease related to impacted environment. The results of antioxidant activity were direct decrease from Cd concentration, at higher Cd concentration there was lowest antioxidant activity, but B. radicans demonstrated to be a natural source of antioxidants. The results of this study complement future ecophysiological studies and providing profits about the life strategy of B. radicans against Cd stress because there was not found any literature on the effect of rhis metal on B. radicans

Urbanization is increasing at a dramatic rate as the human population increases. While it is well-known that urbanization tends to decrease species diversity (i.e., biotic homogenization), it is not known how urbanization affects the frequency and efficiency of species interactions. Seed dispersal is a plant-animal interaction that depends on disperser feeding rate, disperser diversity, probability of seed dispersal and germination. How these factors are affected by urbanization however is unknown. In this study, we evaluate how urbanization alters these factors. Urban sites had 2x higher feeding rate and 3x higher number of disperser species. The probability of seed dispersal however was the same between natural and urban sites. Moreover, the probability of germination after dispersal was 20% lower in urban sites, leading to overall negative effects of urbanization on T. radicans seed dispersal. In this study we demonstrated that urbanization can affect species diversity, as well as their ecological functions.

Neste trabalho foram realizadas reações de redução de cetonas empregando diferentes organismos marinhos como biocatalisadores (algas, fungos e bactérias). Nas triagens foram utilizados derivados de acetofenonas (o-iodoacetofenona, m-iodoacetofenona, p-iodoacetofenona, o-fluoracetofenona, o-cloroacetofenona, o-bromoacetofenona, o-nitroacetofenona) e duas cetonas 1,3-dicarboniladas: a 4,4,4-triflúor-1-(furan-2-il)butano-1,3-diona e a 4,4,4-triflúor-1-(naftalen-2-il)butano-1,3-diona. As reações com as algas marinhas Bostrychia tenella e a Bostrychia radicans levaram aos álcoois com excelentes seletividades (ee >98%), contudo, obtiveram-se baixas conversões. Foram isoladas as bactérias Bt-01 (B. tenella) e Bt-02 (B. radicans), as quais catalisaram as reduções das acetofenonas com resultados similares aos obtidos com as algas. Os fungos (Br-09, Br-23, Br-27, Br-61) isolados da alga B. radicans reduziram as acetofenonas com boas seletividades e conversões. Ainda, reações de redução das acetofenonas com quatro linhagens de fungos isolados da alga Sargassum sp (SMA2-C, SMA2-8, SMA2-58, SGPY-41) levaram a obtenção dos respectivos álcoois com diferentes conversões e seletividades. As reduções das cetonas 1,3-dicarboniladas foram realizadas com as algas B. tenella e B. radicans, e com sete linhagens de fungos marinhos (Aspergillus sydowii Ce15, Aspergillus sydowii Ce19, Aspergillus sydowii Gc12, Bionectria sp Ce5, Penicillium raistrickii Ce16, Penicillium miczynskii Gc5 e Trichoderma sp Gc1). As algas e os fungos marinhos catalisaram a redução regiosseletiva e estereosseletiva das cetonas 1,3-dicarboniladas, onde ocorreu a redução do grupo α-trifluorcarbonílico. Concluiu-se que as algas e seus microrganismos associados, e os fungos marinhos têm potencial para serem utilizados como biocatalisadores em reações de redução. Este trabalho foi o primeiro estudo realizado no país envolvendo algas marinhas e seus microrganismos associados em reações de redução de cetonas, cujos resultados são bastante promissores. / In this work, were investigated the ketone reduction reactions using several marine organisms as biocatalysts (algae, fungi and bacteria). In the screening were utilized acetophenone derivatives (o-iodoacetophenone, m-iodoacetophenone, p-iodoacetophenone, o-fluoroacetophenone, o-chloroacetophenone, o-bromoacetophenone, o-nitroacetophenone) and two 1,3-dicarbonylated compounds: 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(furan-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione and 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(naftalen-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione. The reactions with algae Bostrychia tenella and Bostrychia radicans afforded the alcohols with high selectivities (ee > 98%), however, with low conversions. The bacteria Bt-01 and Bt-02 were isolated from algae B. tenella and B. radicans, respectively, which catalyzed the reductions of acetophenones as the same as obtained with the algae. The acetophenones were reduced by several fungi (Br-09, Br-23, Br-27, Br-61) in good selectivities and conversions. These fungi were isolated from Bostrychia radicans. In addition, the acetophenone reduction reactions were screened with four strains of fungi, which were isolated from algae Sargassum sp (SMA2-C, SMA2-8, SMA2-58, SGPY-41). The alcohols were obtained with different conversions and selectivities. The reductions of 1,3-dicarbonylated compounds were carried out with the algae B. tenella and B. radicans, and marine fungi (Aspergillus sydowii Ce15, Aspergillus sydowii Ce19, Aspergillus sydowii Gc12, Bionectria sp Ce5, Penicillium raistrickii Ce16, Penicillium miczynskii Gc5 and Trichoderma sp Gc1). The algae and marine fungi catalyzed regio- and estereoselectively reductions of the 1,3-dicarbonylated compounds. The α-trifluoromethylcarbonyl group was reduced preferentially. In conclusion, the algae and associated micro-organisms and marine fungi have potential for catalyzing ketone reduction reactions. This investigation was the first study carried out in the Brazil by using algae and associated micro-organisms in the ketone reduction reactions. The obtained results here are promising and interesting.

Macroalgas vermelhas da espécie Bostrychia radicans (Rhodomelaceae) foram coletadas em diferentes ecossistemas de Ubatuba, litoral norte do Estado de São Paulo, mais especificamente nos costões rochosos da Praia Dura e no manguezal do Rio Escuro. Os extratos e frações obtidos dos espécimes, provenientes das duas regiões, expressaram diferentes respostas quando avaliadas as atividades tripanocida, leishmanicida, antitumoral, antifúngica e citotóxica. Estes resultados nos levaram a inferir que há uma possível relação entre as variações ambientais e a produção de metabólitos secundários biologicamente ativos nesta espécie. Concomitantemente ao estabelecimento do potencial biológico de extratos e/ou frações, foram realizadas avaliações comparativas do perfil químico da espécie B. radicans, coletada nos diferentes ecossistemas citados anteriormente. Através da comparação dos constituintes voláteis destas amostras, obtidos por microextração em fase sólida, foi possível observar diferenças significativas entre estas; sendo que a amostra proveniente dos costões apresentou uma maior diversidade de metabólitos. Em contrapartida, as análises comparativas dos constituintes apolares, realizadas por CG-EM, não revelaram diferenças significativas quanto à composição química da espécie. Com relação ao perfil cromatográfico das substâncias polares, obtido via CLAE, também foi observada semelhança quanto aos constituintes presentes em ambas as amostras. Ainda, a partir dos estudos químicos desta espécie foi possível o isolamento do colesterol e 4-hidroxi-N-(2-hidroxietil)-benzamida, além de outras substâncias isoladas em mistura, tais como: heptadecano, esqualeno, ácidos tetradecanóico e hexadecanóico, ésteres 9-octadecenoato e hexadecanoato de metila, os diterpenos trans-fitol e neofitadieno; além das substâncias aromáticas: 4-metoximetilfenol, 4-hidroxibenzaldeído, 4-hidroxibenzenoacetato de metila, 4-hidroximandelato de metila, 4-diidroxibenzenopropanoato de metila, hidroquinona, 4-hidroxibenzoato de metila, ácido 4-hidroxibenzenoacético e 4-formilcarbonilfenol. / Red macroalgae from Bostrychia radicans (Rhodomelaceae) species were collected in different ecosystems in Ubatuba, north littoral of São Paulo state, more specifically in Praia Dura rocky shores and Rio Escuro mangrove. The extracts and fractions obtained from specimens, of the two regions, expressed different responses when the trypanocide, leishmanicide, antitumoral, antifungic and citotoxic activities were evaluated. Based on these results, we could infer that there is a possible relation between the environmental variations and the production of secondary metabolites with biological activity, in this specie. At the same time, comparative analyses of chemical profiles of B. radicans from the different ecosystems were done in order to stabilish the influence of the habitat. The chemical profile of volatile compounds of B. radicans, obtained by solid phase microextraction, diverged significantly according to their habitat (mangrove or rocky shore) and the rocky shore specimens showed more variability of compounds. On the other hand, the chemical profile of apolar constituents, performed by GC-MS, were not significantly different in their midst. Concerning the chromatographic profile of polar constituents, obtained by HPLC, it was observed that these compounds were very similar. Moreover the chemical study of this species led to the isolation of cholesterol, and 4-hydroxy-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-benzamide, and other constituents isolated together, like: heptadecane, squalene, tetradecanoic and hexadecanoic acids, methyl 9-octadecenoate and methyl hexadecanoate, trans-phytol e neophytadiene; behind the phenols: 4-metoxymethylphenol, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, methyl 4-hydroxybenzeneacetate, methyl 4-hydroxymandelate, methyl 4-dihydroxybenzenepropanoate, hydroquinone, methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, 4-hydroxybenzeneacetic acid and 4-fomylcarbonyl-phenol.

Macroalgas vermelhas da espécie Bostrychia radicans (Rhodomelaceae) foram coletadas em diferentes ecossistemas de Ubatuba, litoral norte do Estado de São Paulo, mais especificamente nos costões rochosos da Praia Dura e no manguezal do Rio Escuro. Os extratos e frações obtidos dos espécimes, provenientes das duas regiões, expressaram diferentes respostas quando avaliadas as atividades tripanocida, leishmanicida, antitumoral, antifúngica e citotóxica. Estes resultados nos levaram a inferir que há uma possível relação entre as variações ambientais e a produção de metabólitos secundários biologicamente ativos nesta espécie. Concomitantemente ao estabelecimento do potencial biológico de extratos e/ou frações, foram realizadas avaliações comparativas do perfil químico da espécie B. radicans, coletada nos diferentes ecossistemas citados anteriormente. Através da comparação dos constituintes voláteis destas amostras, obtidos por microextração em fase sólida, foi possível observar diferenças significativas entre estas; sendo que a amostra proveniente dos costões apresentou uma maior diversidade de metabólitos. Em contrapartida, as análises comparativas dos constituintes apolares, realizadas por CG-EM, não revelaram diferenças significativas quanto à composição química da espécie. Com relação ao perfil cromatográfico das substâncias polares, obtido via CLAE, também foi observada semelhança quanto aos constituintes presentes em ambas as amostras. Ainda, a partir dos estudos químicos desta espécie foi possível o isolamento do colesterol e 4-hidroxi-N-(2-hidroxietil)-benzamida, além de outras substâncias isoladas em mistura, tais como: heptadecano, esqualeno, ácidos tetradecanóico e hexadecanóico, ésteres 9-octadecenoato e hexadecanoato de metila, os diterpenos trans-fitol e neofitadieno; além das substâncias aromáticas: 4-metoximetilfenol, 4-hidroxibenzaldeído, 4-hidroxibenzenoacetato de metila, 4-hidroximandelato de metila, 4-diidroxibenzenopropanoato de metila, hidroquinona, 4-hidroxibenzoato de metila, ácido 4-hidroxibenzenoacético e 4-formilcarbonilfenol. / Red macroalgae from Bostrychia radicans (Rhodomelaceae) species were collected in different ecosystems in Ubatuba, north littoral of São Paulo state, more specifically in Praia Dura rocky shores and Rio Escuro mangrove. The extracts and fractions obtained from specimens, of the two regions, expressed different responses when the trypanocide, leishmanicide, antitumoral, antifungic and citotoxic activities were evaluated. Based on these results, we could infer that there is a possible relation between the environmental variations and the production of secondary metabolites with biological activity, in this specie. At the same time, comparative analyses of chemical profiles of B. radicans from the different ecosystems were done in order to stabilish the influence of the habitat. The chemical profile of volatile compounds of B. radicans, obtained by solid phase microextraction, diverged significantly according to their habitat (mangrove or rocky shore) and the rocky shore specimens showed more variability of compounds. On the other hand, the chemical profile of apolar constituents, performed by GC-MS, were not significantly different in their midst. Concerning the chromatographic profile of polar constituents, obtained by HPLC, it was observed that these compounds were very similar. Moreover the chemical study of this species led to the isolation of cholesterol, and 4-hydroxy-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-benzamide, and other constituents isolated together, like: heptadecane, squalene, tetradecanoic and hexadecanoic acids, methyl 9-octadecenoate and methyl hexadecanoate, trans-phytol e neophytadiene; behind the phenols: 4-metoxymethylphenol, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, methyl 4-hydroxybenzeneacetate, methyl 4-hydroxymandelate, methyl 4-dihydroxybenzenepropanoate, hydroquinone, methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, 4-hydroxybenzeneacetic acid and 4-fomylcarbonyl-phenol.

Neste trabalho foram realizadas reações de redução de cetonas empregando diferentes organismos marinhos como biocatalisadores (algas, fungos e bactérias). Nas triagens foram utilizados derivados de acetofenonas (o-iodoacetofenona, m-iodoacetofenona, p-iodoacetofenona, o-fluoracetofenona, o-cloroacetofenona, o-bromoacetofenona, o-nitroacetofenona) e duas cetonas 1,3-dicarboniladas: a 4,4,4-triflúor-1-(furan-2-il)butano-1,3-diona e a 4,4,4-triflúor-1-(naftalen-2-il)butano-1,3-diona. As reações com as algas marinhas Bostrychia tenella e a Bostrychia radicans levaram aos álcoois com excelentes seletividades (ee >98%), contudo, obtiveram-se baixas conversões. Foram isoladas as bactérias Bt-01 (B. tenella) e Bt-02 (B. radicans), as quais catalisaram as reduções das acetofenonas com resultados similares aos obtidos com as algas. Os fungos (Br-09, Br-23, Br-27, Br-61) isolados da alga B. radicans reduziram as acetofenonas com boas seletividades e conversões. Ainda, reações de redução das acetofenonas com quatro linhagens de fungos isolados da alga Sargassum sp (SMA2-C, SMA2-8, SMA2-58, SGPY-41) levaram a obtenção dos respectivos álcoois com diferentes conversões e seletividades. As reduções das cetonas 1,3-dicarboniladas foram realizadas com as algas B. tenella e B. radicans, e com sete linhagens de fungos marinhos (Aspergillus sydowii Ce15, Aspergillus sydowii Ce19, Aspergillus sydowii Gc12, Bionectria sp Ce5, Penicillium raistrickii Ce16, Penicillium miczynskii Gc5 e Trichoderma sp Gc1). As algas e os fungos marinhos catalisaram a redução regiosseletiva e estereosseletiva das cetonas 1,3-dicarboniladas, onde ocorreu a redução do grupo α-trifluorcarbonílico. Concluiu-se que as algas e seus microrganismos associados, e os fungos marinhos têm potencial para serem utilizados como biocatalisadores em reações de redução. Este trabalho foi o primeiro estudo realizado no país envolvendo algas marinhas e seus microrganismos associados em reações de redução de cetonas, cujos resultados são bastante promissores. / In this work, were investigated the ketone reduction reactions using several marine organisms as biocatalysts (algae, fungi and bacteria). In the screening were utilized acetophenone derivatives (o-iodoacetophenone, m-iodoacetophenone, p-iodoacetophenone, o-fluoroacetophenone, o-chloroacetophenone, o-bromoacetophenone, o-nitroacetophenone) and two 1,3-dicarbonylated compounds: 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(furan-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione and 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(naftalen-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione. The reactions with algae Bostrychia tenella and Bostrychia radicans afforded the alcohols with high selectivities (ee > 98%), however, with low conversions. The bacteria Bt-01 and Bt-02 were isolated from algae B. tenella and B. radicans, respectively, which catalyzed the reductions of acetophenones as the same as obtained with the algae. The acetophenones were reduced by several fungi (Br-09, Br-23, Br-27, Br-61) in good selectivities and conversions. These fungi were isolated from Bostrychia radicans. In addition, the acetophenone reduction reactions were screened with four strains of fungi, which were isolated from algae Sargassum sp (SMA2-C, SMA2-8, SMA2-58, SGPY-41). The alcohols were obtained with different conversions and selectivities. The reductions of 1,3-dicarbonylated compounds were carried out with the algae B. tenella and B. radicans, and marine fungi (Aspergillus sydowii Ce15, Aspergillus sydowii Ce19, Aspergillus sydowii Gc12, Bionectria sp Ce5, Penicillium raistrickii Ce16, Penicillium miczynskii Gc5 and Trichoderma sp Gc1). The algae and marine fungi catalyzed regio- and estereoselectively reductions of the 1,3-dicarbonylated compounds. The α-trifluoromethylcarbonyl group was reduced preferentially. In conclusion, the algae and associated micro-organisms and marine fungi have potential for catalyzing ketone reduction reactions. This investigation was the first study carried out in the Brazil by using algae and associated micro-organisms in the ketone reduction reactions. The obtained results here are promising and interesting.

Urbanization is increasing at a rapid pace with negative consequences for native biodiversity. While it is well-known that urbanization can lead to biotic homogenization (dominance of a few competitive species), effects of urbanization on ecological functions that rely on the frequency and efficiency of species interactions are less understood. Seed dispersal success depends on seed disperser feeding rate and diversity, which can affect the probability of fruit removal (i.e. seed dispersal) and germination rates. However, how these factors are affected by urbanization is unknown. In this study, we evaluate the effects of urbanization on factors that contribute to seed dispersal success (seed disperser diversity, frequency, probability of fruit removal and germination rate using Toxicodendron radicans and its seed disperser community as a model system. We found that urban sites had three times more disperser species and two times higher feeding rate compared to natural sites. However, the probability of individual fruit removal did not differ between natural and urban sites. Moreover, germination rate after dispersal was 20% lower in urban sites, leading to overall negative effects of urbanization on T. radicans seed dispersal. We propose differences in seed germination rate are driven by changes in seed disperser species composition and their differences in seed gut transit time. This in turn affects disperser species’ ability to successfully scarify seeds. Overall, our results highlight the need to evaluate urbanization's effects on functional ecological processes, in addition to biotic homogenization effects, in order better understand and mitigate its negative impacts on biodiversity.

Pollination syndromes refer to stereotyped floral characteristics (flower colour, shape, etc.) that are associated with a functional group of pollinators (bee, bird, etc.). The trumpet creeper Campsis radicans, endemic to the southeast and mid-west United States, has been assigned to the hummingbird-pollination syndrome, due mainly to its red, trumpet-shaped flowers. Previous studies demonstrated that the ruby-throated hummingbird Archilochus colubris is C. radicans' primary pollinator, but anecdotal data suggest various bee species may provide pollination service when hummingbirds are absent. This study characterised C. radicans nectar volume and concentration by time of day. Nectar volume was suitable for hummingbirds, but concentration was higher than typical hummingbird-pollinated plants (∼20% w/w); at ∼30% w/w, it approached the concentration expected in bee-pollinated plants (∼50% w/w). We also found substantial amounts of nectar at night. Two C. radicans populations received virtually no hummingbird visits, but the number of bees were markedly higher than in the populations previously described. Interestingly, there were no night-time visitors despite the large quantity of nocturnal nectar. Based on previously published pollen delivery per visit by various species, this study estimated that cumulative deposition by bees routinely reached pollen deposition thresholds for setting fruit in C. radicans. They are, unequivocally, the predominant pollinators in these populations, thus providing pollination service in the absence of hummingbirds. These results highlight C. radicans as a food source for native bees and add to the understanding of how floral phenotypes can facilitate pollination by disparate functional groups.